The proof stood right before those who recently attended the kick-off to introduce the 100 Women annual giving program at Desert AIDS Project that benefits women and children living with HIV.
One of the graduates of Desert AIDS Project’s (DAP) Career Building Program, Bridgette Picou, has accessed many of the services that 100 Women make possible. Picou is now a nurse in DAP’s medical clinic and spoke movingly, along with Liz Vargas, who works as a certified medical assistant in DAP’s new sexual health clinic, The Dock, where family planning services are offered, in addition to testing and treatment for STIs.
Erin Scott, new co-chair of 100 Women, along with Terri Ketover, said at the gathering held at the home of Dr. Suzanne Quardt and husband, Rick Manzano, that 100 Women members fulfill many critical roles. They provide essential healthcare, purchase children’s school supplies and uniforms, provide gift cards for holiday meals and presents, and much more. Earlier this year, 100 Women helped to make possible DAP’s first Women’s Empowerment Day, filled with important healthcare information, other resources, and fun for female clients of the organization.
But this isn’t only a “program with heart.” Membership in 100 Women at the Bronze level starts at only $1,500 per year and also includes two tickets to the annual Steve Chase Humanitarian Awards. This year, Carolyn Caldwell, CEO of Desert Regional Medical Center and a champion of Get Tested Coachella Valley, will receive the 100 Women Award for 2016.
“I was so delighted when I was asked to be one of the gala co-chairs for this year’s gala, along with Patrick Jordan and Dave Morgan,” said Dr. Quardt. “My husband Rick is also on the gala committee because he and I are so proud to help support such a wonderful organization like DAP through 100 Women and its brother program, Partners for Life.”
